Pine County Public RecordsMinnesota

Pine County, MN, has eight public schools, including two high schools. About 88% of adults have a high school diploma, while 14% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school test scores range from 40–50%, below the Minnesota state average. The county focuses on school safety and offers special education, career tech, and adult education programs. Adult education is available through programs like Pine Technical & Community College. Overall, Pine County schools are committed to improvement but face challenges with academic performance and higher education attainment.

As of 2023, Pine County, MN has an employment rate of approximately 58%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (20%), Retail Trade (13%), and Manufacturing (11%). The most common occupations include Office & Administrative Support (14%) and Sales (11%). Over 70% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 31 minutes; the majority work within the county, while about 27% commute to neighboring counties such as Chisago and Carlton.

Pine County, MN, has a homeownership rate of around 80%, with median home values near $210,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $950 per month. The housing market has shown steady appreciation, with values rising about 7% year-over-year. Most homes are single-family houses, though some duplexes and mobile homes exist. Neighborhoods like Pine City and Sandstone are popular. Property tax rates average 1.0–1.2%, equating to about $2,100–$2,500 annually for median-valued homes. The area stays affordable compared to statewide averages, making it attractive for families and retirees.

As of 2022, Pine County, MN has a population of approximately 28,300. The median age is 43.6 years, with about 49.6% male and 50.4% female residents. Racially, the population is 91.2% White, 2.4% Native American, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 4.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The county has a relatively small but diverse minority population.

Pine County, MN, had 18,520 registered voters as of 2022. The county typically organizes general, primary, and special elections, with polling locations in cities such as Pine City and Hinckley. In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump received 61% of the vote, while Joe Biden received 36%. Election administration is managed by the Pine County Auditor-Treasurer’s office, with both Democratic-Farmer-Labor and Republican parties active locally. Key issues include property taxes and rural broadband expansion. Voter turnout in recent elections has averaged around 77%, reflecting active participation among residents.

Pine County, MN, experiences a moderate crime rate, with a 2023 violent crime rate of 2.9 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 26.4 per 1,000. In 2022, the sheriff’s office reported 156 violent crimes and 1,412 property crimes; theft and burglary were most common. Crime has shown a slight decrease over the past five years. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, as proactive policing and community programs contribute to improving safety in Pine County.